News from around the 32 counties, Jan 6 2014

The life's work of an Antrim-born missionary, who was tragically murdered in Peru, has been remembered on the 30th anniversary of her death.

Sister Joan Sawyer's name will not resonate among many in her hometown, yet, she is celebrated every year in Lima for the help and pastoral care she provided to the people of the city and its infamous Lurigancho Prison.
[Source: Antrim Guardian]

ARMAGH

Three people are said to be in a serious condition in hospital after a road crash in County Armagh.

The two-car crash happened on the Derrytrasna Road near Lurgan at around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon, December 31.

It involved a black Volkswagen Polo and a black Mitsubishi Shogun.

Three people – two men aged 61 and 71 and a 68-year-old woman – were taken to hospital for treatment for serious injuries.
[Source: Belfast Telegraph]
CARLOW

Motorists were being advised to take care on the roads last Tuesday morning following heavy overnight rain in many parts.

AA Roadwatch said the worst affected areas were in Carlow where Maryborough Street in Graiguecullen was impassable due to flooding.
[Source: Irish Examiner]

CAVAN

A Cavan woman is among a core group of students and academics set to lobby the Irish government over its lack of membership with the European particle physics center at C.E.R.N. The group insists that by not joining the country is losing out financially as well as in promoting science education.

Aoibheann Brady from Cavan Town, a mathematics student at Trinity College, is a member of “Ireland for C.E.R.N.” The group is preparing to launch a major nationwide campaign later this month aimed at encouraging the government to join C.E.R.N., amongst most respected centers for scientific research worldwide.
[Source: The Anglo Celt]

CLARE

Shannon Christian Church is applying for planning permission for a place of worship in one of the town’s hubs of industry.

The West of Ireland Evangelical Trust, of which they are a part, has lodged the application for a change of use at an existing industrial premise in the Smithstown Industrial Estate.

They wish to change the use of one building from commercial to a church, which includes reception meeting rooms, an assembly area and associated site works.
[Source: Clare Champion]

CORK

Six out of 10 people sent to Cork Prison are jailed for non-payment of court fines, putting huge pressure on the system.

The vast majority are released back out on the same day, according to an analysis of one month’s figures.

Both the governor of Cork Prison, Jim Collins, and the head of the Prison Service, Michael Donnellan, said these people should not be in prison and the continuing practice placed a “huge burden” not just on Cork, but the prison system in general.

The practice is a major factor in the continuing overcrowding blighting the Dickensian prison, which had 230 inmates at the end of November in a prison designed for 143.
[Source: Irish Examiner]

DERRY

A popular Derry tourist trail has been hailed as one of the best city walks on a national retail website.

Martin McCrossan’s guided tour of Derry is included in the “10 best U.K. city walks” on the Tesco Living website.

The site, which describes Derry as a “visually fascinating, historic place,” says Martin’s tours are a perfect way to see the city.

The reviewer says: “If you want to get an expert’s overview, book in for one of Martin McCrossan’s guided city tours. The tour guides have a wealth of knowledge on Irish emigration to America, as well as local history, so you’ll receive a fascinating history lesson whilst on your scenic stroll.”
[Source: Derry Journal]

DONEGAL

Everton and Ireland star Seamus Coleman’s new fiancée, Rachel Cunningham, has taken to social media to thank everyone for their good wishes after the Killybegs defender popped the question two weekends ago.

It was on her Twitter account that Rachel broke the big news that her long term boyfriend, who has been enjoying a great season with his club, had proposed to her on the same day he scored one of the best goals of the season in the English Premier League.

She tweeted on Sunday, December 29: “Special news..Seamie jst proposed to me after nine years. Can’t believe it in so much shock and can’t stop crying! Happiest girl in the world x”
[Source: Donegal Democrat]

DOWN

Police in Newry are appealing for information following an assault in the smoking area of a bar on Francis Street.

Sometime between 11:30 p.m. and 11:45 p.m. a 20-year-old man was assaulted resulting in a head injury and a chipped tooth.

It is believed he was struck on the head from behind. Police are keen to speak to a man who was involved in an altercation with the victim prior to the assault.
[Source: Newry Times]
DUBLIN

A 20-year-old man who was seriously assaulted in Tallaght last Wednesday has died in hospital.

He was attacked at a pedestrian bridge on St. Dominic's Road at about 4 a.m. on New Year's Day, and had been on life support in Beaumont Hospital.

Gardaí (police) have arrested two men, aged 27 and 23, in connection with the assault last Thursday afternoon. They are being held at Rathfarnham and Tallaght Garda Stations.
[Source: Kildare Nationalist]

FERMANAGH

A Lisnaskea resident has spoken of the moment police surrounded his estate as shots were fired at the police station in the area two weeks ago. The man, who did wish to be named, lives close to the station and when returning from shopping, told of how he watched as police surrounded him and the whole estate on Monday night.

“I live right beside the police station so I’d be used to seeing the police, but this sent a chill up my spine – I just knew something bad had happened.

“I got into my house and my brother and sister, a grown adult and teenager, were visibly shaken by what had happened. My sister, who was white as a ghost, said she thought someone was outside our window shooting at the police station and she quite literally hit the floor hoping it would stop.”
[Source: Fermanagh Herald]

GALWAY

Asylum seekers in Galway and Mayo are to benefit from E.U. funding of almost $123,000.

Mayo Intercultural Action has secured the money to fund the S.O.L.A.S. project, which provides for asylum seekers and their families.

The group plans to expand its work to a regional basis and is teaming up with Croí na Gaillimhe/St. Vincent de Paul in Galway to establish a support center.
[Source: Galway Bay FM]
KERRY

A man was shot in the stomach in County Kerry early last Wednesday morning, but his injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The 32-year-old was brought to Kerry General Hospital after the shooting at a farmyard at Kilgobnet near Beaufort.

A 48-year-old farmer was arrested and is in custody in Killarney Garda {Police) Station. A legally-held shotgun was being examined.
[Source: Irish Times]
KILDARE

Galway Manager Alan Mulholland is hopeful that former Kildare star James Kavanagh can make a big impact with the Tribesmen in 2014.

The 28-year old, twice nominated as an All-Star, moved to north County Galway club Milltown last year.

He works as a Garda (police officer) in Galway City and moved to live in Milltown, from which his wife hails.
[Source: The Journal]
KILKENNY

Callan will be the place to be on January 14 when the eighth cousin of Barack Obama – Henry Healey – launches the next phase of the Ireland Reaching Out Programme for County Kilkenny.

Ireland XO, as it is known worldwide, is a national ancestral tourism and family history initiative designed to allow local people to come together to promote their towns and parishes as part of Ireland’s attempt to attract the diaspora back home to visit the old country and develop future links that will benefit the local economy.
[Source: Kilkenny People]
LAOIS

A number of sheep were killed over the Christmas period, following a dog attack in Mountmellick.

At least 14 hoggets were slaughtered by two dogs at a farm at Lower Forest, Mountmellick on Saturday, December 28. The dogs have been captured.
[Source: Leinster Express]
LEITRIM

People traveled from throughout the country on Tuesday to bid farewell to one of the country’s oldest women, Margaret Mitchell, who passed away at the age of 107 on Saturday night, December 28.

Mrs. Mitchell (née Smyth), was originally from Aughnacliffe, County Longford. She married Cloone farmer Patrick Mitchell in 1944 and had two daughters, Myra and Margaret. They remained in the Cloone area until 1971, when they moved to Dublin.

Margaret was predeceased by her husband and daughter Margaret. She lived quite independently in Dublin until her late 90s before moving to Eskra, County Tyrone, where she lived with her daughter Myra and son-in-law, Lawrence.
[Source: Leitrim Observer]
LIMERICK

Tributes have been paid to a Limerick man who was killed in an avalanche in the Swiss Alps over Christmas.

Michael Clifford (27), who was originally from Ballyagran, was living in the Zurich area where he had been working for more than six years with the world-renowned Partners Group.

Mr. Clifford, who studied at University College Cork, died when an avalanche struck the area of Realp in central Switzerland, where he is thought to have been skiing off-piste.
[Source: Limerick Leader]

LONGFORD

While Longford and Roscommon recorded an annual one percent decrease in general crime levels, the overall number of drug offenses detected increased by 18 percent – the third highest percentage increase in the country.

Garda (police) figures for the 12 months to September 2013 show that 220 drug-related crimes were recorded in the Longford/Roscommon Garda Division.
[Source: Longford Leader]
LOUTH

Mr. Eamonn Begley, owner of the Cycle and Trophy Centre, Clanbrassil Street, Dundalk, said he and his family have been overwhelmed by the support they received after the fire that destroyed their premise on Sunday before Christmas.

“We really want to thank our customers, the traders of Clanbrassil Street, and all the other local traders for their support.

“We are very grateful for all the offers of help and I would also like to thank the fire service and the Gardaí (police) for everything they did.”
[Source: Dundalk Democrat]

MAYO

No stone will be left unturned in solving the murder of 28-year-old Owen Maughan, who was shot in broad daylight at a busy Castlebar petrol station on December 18.

Superintendent Pat Diskin, of Castlebar Garda (Police) Station, told The Mayo News that “resources won’t be spared in relation to this heinous crime.”

A considerable amount of witnesses have already been interviewed by Gardaí, according to the superintendent. However, Gardaí are still appealing for people with any information to come forward.
[Source: The Mayo News]

MEATH

The smashing of nearly a dozen large panes of glass at the front of the Johnstown Shopping Centre two weekends ago has been condemned by Councilor Shane Cassells.

The attack on the center was carried out in the early hours of Saturday morning, December 28, causing extensive damage to the front of the facility.

Clr. Cassells has called for immediate action to be taken to deal with the scourge of anti-social behavior in the area, which he states is now turning into low-level criminality.
[Source: Meath Chronicle]
MONAGHAN

Helen Norton, who plays Vivienne in the R.T.É. soap “Fair City” is joining “Love/Hate” actress Aoibhinn McGinnity in the new R.T.É. Radio Drama on 1, “Weighing In.”

Set in a diet clinic in Clones, County Monaghan, the play centers on two characters; the first is Val from south County Dublin, played by Norton, who has moved with her husband for his new job in the local factory.

The other key character is Breda from Clones, played by McGinnity, and the two women strike up an unlikely friendship through their evening walks around the local area.
[Source: RTE News]

OFFALY

Tommy Tiernan has announced three more world tours in the New Year, including a four day World Tour of Offaly.

He will perform in Edenderry G.A.A. Club on April 10, The Thatch in Rahan on April 11, The Bridge House Hotel in Tullamore on April 12 and the County Arms Hotel in Birr on April 13.

Tommy’s mastery of stand-up allows him to take risks other comedians dare not. Through hilarious storytelling and a high energy, non-apologetic delivery, he continually challenges his audience, who can be confident they are in safe hands.
[Source: Offaly Express]

ROSCOMMON

Padraig Pearses clubman Niall Carty has been appointed Roscommon senior football captain for 2014.

The 22-year-old defender succeeds Cathal Cregg in the role. Donie Shine of Clann na nGael has been named vice-captain by team manager John Evans.

Carty was captain of the Padraig Pearses team, which reached the 2012 Roscommon S.F.C. final, in which they were defeated by neighbors St. Brigid's.
[Source: Westmeath Independent]
SLIGO

A man has been charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life following an incident in County Sligo on Saturday, December 28, in which a man barricaded himself into a house.

The incident on the Strandhill Road lasted 13 hours.

At a special sitting of Sligo District Court, Michael O'Connor, who is unemployed and of no fixed address, was charged with possession of a single-barrel shotgun with intent to endanger life at Nolmar, Scardenmore in Strandhill Road.
[Source: RTE News]
TIPPERARY

North Tipperary County Council needs to look at the “ongoing” bottle bank problem in Littleton in the new year, Councilor John Kennedy told the council’s budget meeting.

He was supported by Clr. Micheal Lowry, who said that the issue may need a solution rather than just allocating funds on a new location for the facility.

Engineer Brian Beck confirmed that the council will look at the issue in 2014.
[Source: Tipperary Star]

TYRONE

Grants totaling over $80,000 have been awarded to six community groups in the Dungannon and Cookstown areas.

Four groups in the Dungannon borough have received a total of $55,514, while two in Cookstown have been granted a total of $90,951, giving a final figure of $86,465.

Among the groups receiving money is Dungannon Tigers F.C., who has been awarded £5,460 to create a midnight soccer league that will involve young people from recent migrant families, and help reduce antisocial behavior and drug and alcohol misuse amongst young people. The project is due to start in the spring and will initially target boys and girls aged between 11 and 13.
[Source: Tyrone Courier]

WATERFORD

Irish Rail says bus transfers will remain in place on a number of services from Waterford Station for the coming days, following a landslide.

It happened last Tuesday evening on the line close to Waterford Station. As a result, there are no services operating between Waterford and Thomastown and Carrick-on-Suir.

The landslide was from the rock face just outside the station, which scattered debris across the track.
[Source: Irish Examiner]
WESTMEATH

Westmeath G.A.A. has announced that Renault is to sponsor their inter-county football and hurling teams for the next three years.

The deal has been brokered through Mullingar-based Renault dealers O’Brien’s, which is owned by Tyrrellspass man Paddy O’Brien.

The French car manufacturers replace the Annebrook Hotel, who was Westmeath G.A.A.’s main sponsor for the past two years.
[Source: Westmeath Examiner]
WEXFORD

Wexford hurling manager Liam Dunne had his finger bitten in a pub on St. Stephen’s Night.

Dunne (45) was in the Bobs Pub with family in his home village of The Ballagh, Wexford, when a row broke out involving a number of people.

It is understood that following a verbal spat between a groups of people there was an argument, during which he was bitten by another man as he attempted to separate the warring factions.

Dunne was taken to Waterford Regional Hospital where he was treated for the injury.
[Source: Irish Mirror]

WICKLOW

A handful of brave swimmers took to the Wicklow waters last Wednesday to take part in the Bray swim, even though the official event was canceled by organizers.

The annual event was rescheduled by the local Lions club due to poor weather conditions, but this didn't stop a handful of swimmer taking their chances with the cold water, lashing rain and rough waves.

A number of public figures were set to take part in the swim, including Fine Gael T.D. Simon Harris, who tweeted last Tuesday that he was looking forward to taking part in the swim.
[Source: Irish Independent]